
Based on looking at the website, Deedpolls.com appears to offer legitimate deed poll services for changing names in the United Kingdom.
They provide clear instructions and claim to issue government-accepted documents, which is a significant factor for those considering their services.
While the website conveys a sense of reliability by highlighting their thirteen years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, a detailed review reveals areas where transparency and comprehensive information could be improved.
The site seems straightforward for its stated purpose, but it lacks some common features typically found on highly trusted online service platforms.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Service Offered: Online deed poll application for name changes in the UK Adult and Child.
- Target Audience: British citizens residing in the UK.
- Experience Claim: Over thirteen years, serving thousands of people.
- Key Features: Hand-drafted deed polls, free standard delivery, adult cover letter included, accepted by UK Government, banks, Passport Office, and DVLA.
- Pricing: Clearly displayed for individual services £16.99 for Adult Deed Poll, £19.99 for Child Deed Poll, £29.00 for Easy Name Change Kit.
- Process: Three-step process Apply online, receive and sign documents, notify organizations.
- Customer Support: Phone number and WhatsApp contact provided.
- Affiliation Disclosure: Clearly states they are an independent company and not affiliated with H.M. Government, advising users to check www.gov.uk for self-service.
- Trust Indicators: Customer testimonials are present, but verification is limited.
- Missing Information: No clear “About Us” page detailing the company’s history, leadership, or physical address. No direct link to privacy policy or terms of service on the homepage footer though these might be accessible during the application process. No direct link to a comprehensive FAQ section beyond the main page content.
While Deedpolls.com presents itself as a functional service for name changes, the absence of a detailed “About Us” section with company registration information, a transparent privacy policy, and readily accessible terms and conditions without initiating an application can be a red flag for users seeking maximum assurance.
Trustworthy online platforms often go the extra mile to provide this level of detail upfront.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Best Alternatives for Document and Legal Services
For those seeking reliable and ethical alternatives for legal document services, especially for tasks that require formal processes, transparency and adherence to regulations are paramount.
It’s crucial to choose services that are well-established, provide clear terms, and protect user data.
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- Key Features: Wide range of legal documents and services, including business formation, wills, and intellectual property. Offers attorney advice.
- Average Price: Varies widely by service, from around $79 for simple documents to hundreds for more complex legal assistance.
- Pros: Highly reputable, extensive service offerings, professional legal support available.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than DIY options for very basic needs, some services may require additional fees.
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- Key Features: Legal documents, online legal advice, and registered agent services. Offers a free trial and subscription model.
- Average Price: Monthly subscription around $39.99/month for unlimited documents and legal advice.
- Pros: Comprehensive legal resources, subscription model for ongoing needs, attorney consultations included.
- Cons: Subscription can be costly if only needed for a single document, some users report a steeper learning curve for specific features.
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- Key Features: Offers a vast library of legal information, DIY legal forms, and books on various legal topics. Focuses on empowering individuals.
- Average Price: Forms can range from $20 to $100+ depending on complexity. books vary.
- Pros: Excellent educational resources, affordable forms, reliable legal content.
- Cons: Primarily self-service, limited direct legal support compared to LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer.
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- Key Features: One of the largest online databases of legal forms covering nearly every legal need. Subscription or per-form purchase.
- Average Price: Monthly subscription around $19.95/month. individual forms vary.
- Pros: Massive selection of forms, regularly updated, good for specific, niche legal documents.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume, requires user knowledge to select the correct form.
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- Key Features: Focuses on electronic signatures and digital document workflow. Not a document creation service, but essential for formalizing documents.
- Average Price: Free for basic use, paid plans start around $10-15/month for individuals.
- Pros: Industry standard for e-signatures, highly secure, widely accepted, enhances efficiency for signing and managing documents.
- Cons: Does not create legal documents. primarily for signing and managing existing ones.
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- Key Features: Similar to DocuSign, offering easy and secure electronic signatures. Integrates well with other cloud services.
- Average Price: Free tier available. paid plans start around $15/month.
- Pros: User-friendly interface, seamless integration with Dropbox and other tools, legally binding signatures.
- Cons: Like DocuSign, it’s for signing, not creating legal documents.
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Federal Trade Commission FTC Resources & Consumer Financial Protection Bureau CFPB Resources
- Key Features: Free, reliable government resources for consumer protection, financial literacy, and information on scams. While not “alternatives” in terms of service provision, these are crucial for verifying legitimacy and understanding consumer rights.
- Average Price: Free.
- Pros: Official, unbiased information. excellent for consumer awareness and verifying online service claims.
- Cons: Do not provide direct legal document creation or specific legal advice.
Deedpolls.com Review & First Look
When first landing on Deedpolls.com, the immediate impression is one of clarity and simplicity.
The website prominently highlights its core service: assisting British citizens in the UK with legal name changes via deed poll.
It emphasizes ease of use, with a straightforward application process and clear pricing.
The site asserts its legitimacy by stating it’s a “leading issuer of government accepted deed poll documents” and boasts “over thirteen years” of experience, having helped “thousands of people.” This immediately addresses a primary concern for users: reliability and acceptance of the issued documents.
Website Design and User Experience
The design is clean, with a focus on navigation and calls to action like “Apply Now!” The information is structured logically, moving from an overview of what a deed poll is to how the process works and specific application types Adult, Child, Parents. The presence of a “Cost Calculator” is a thoughtful touch, providing immediate transparency on potential expenses.
However, while the interface is user-friendly, it lacks deeper engagement elements like comprehensive educational content or a robust, easily navigable FAQ section that many users might expect from a seasoned online service.
Initial Trust Signals and Red Flags
On the positive side, Deedpolls.com provides contact information phone and WhatsApp and displays customer testimonials.
Critically, it explicitly states, “We are an independent company and this website is not affiliated with H.M. Government.
Customers wishing to make their own Deedpoll could check out the resources on www.gov.uk.” This disclosure is vital for transparency and helps manage user expectations, indicating that they are a private service facilitating a process, rather than an official government entity.
However, the absence of easily findable links to a full Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, or an “About Us” page detailing the company’s registration or leadership from the main navigation is a noticeable omission. Lakesidephysio.co Review
Such pages are standard practice for building trust and ensuring user data protection on reputable online platforms.
Deedpolls.com Pros & Cons
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Deedpolls.com is crucial for anyone considering their services for a name change.
While the website presents a clear pathway for obtaining a deed poll, a deeper look reveals certain aspects that could either benefit or deter potential users.
Advantages of Using Deedpolls.com
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: The website boasts a very intuitive and straightforward application process. The “How Does it Work?” section clearly outlines three steps, making it easy for users to understand what’s involved. This simplicity is a major draw for individuals who may find traditional legal processes daunting.
- Clear Pricing Structure: Deedpolls.com provides upfront pricing for its services £16.99 for Adult Deed Poll, £19.99 for Child Deed Poll, £29.00 for Easy Name Change Kit. This transparency, coupled with a cost calculator, allows users to quickly assess affordability without hidden fees, which is a significant plus.
- Explicit Government Acceptance Claim: The website states that its deed poll documents are “accepted everywhere” including by the UK Government, banks, Passport Office, and DVLA. This claim is critical, as the primary purpose of a deed poll is to update official records.
- Accessibility and Support: Offering both a phone number and a WhatsApp contact, Deedpolls.com provides multiple channels for customer support. This is valuable for users who may have questions or require assistance during their application process.
- Established Presence: The claim of “over thirteen years” of experience and helping “thousands of people” suggests a well-established operation, which can instill confidence in potential users.
Potential Drawbacks and Areas for Improvement
- Lack of Comprehensive “About Us” Information: A significant con is the absence of a detailed “About Us” page. This typically includes company registration details, physical address, and information about the team or founders. For a service handling legal documents, this level of transparency is often expected to build robust trust, especially when dealing with personal data.
- Limited Transparency on Policies: While the service offers clear pricing, readily accessible links to a comprehensive Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, or Refund Policy are not immediately visible on the homepage or main navigation. Users often look for these documents upfront to understand how their data is handled and what their rights are.
- Reliance on Independent Witness: The process requires documents to be signed in the presence of an “independent witness.” While standard for deed polls, the website doesn’t offer any guidance or resources on how to find or qualify such a witness, which could be an unexpected hurdle for some users.
- No Direct Government Affiliation As Disclosed: While the website explicitly states it is not affiliated with H.M. Government and recommends checking gov.uk resources, some users might initially misunderstand this. The “government accepted” claim needs to be clearly differentiated from being a government service itself, which the site does, but it’s a point of distinction worth noting.
- Generic Testimonials: While testimonials are present, they are generic text snippets without direct links to review platforms or more verifiable sources. This makes it harder for potential customers to fully trust their authenticity.
Deedpolls.com Alternatives
For those considering a name change in the UK, while Deedpolls.com offers a streamlined service, it’s prudent to explore all available avenues.
Given the nature of a deed poll as a legal document, ensuring its absolute legitimacy and acceptance by all relevant authorities is paramount.
The primary alternative, and often the most recommended, is to undertake the process yourself directly through government resources.
This method prioritizes official channels and often incurs minimal or no cost.
Direct Self-Service via UK Government Gov.uk
The UK government’s official website, www.gov.uk, is the most authoritative source for information and procedures on changing a name.
The site clearly states that “you can change your name at any time, as long as you do not do it to defraud or mislead.” It outlines that you can “start using your new name straight away” and that “you do not need to follow a legal process to change your name.” However, for official documents like passports and driving licenses, a deed poll is often required as evidence.
- Key Features:
- Free Process: You can draft your own deed poll at no cost using templates and guidelines provided by the government.
- Official Information: All information comes directly from the government, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Full Control: You maintain complete control over the document and the entire process.
- Acceptance: A self-drafted deed poll, correctly executed signed and witnessed, is just as legally valid as one obtained from a commercial service.
- Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Zero cost for drafting the document.
- Highest Authority: Information and guidance are directly from the government.
- Empowering: Puts the individual in charge of their legal documentation.
- Cons:
- Requires DIY Effort: You need to take the time to draft the document, understand the requirements for witnessing, and manage the administrative steps yourself.
- No Direct Support: While information is provided, there isn’t personalized customer support for specific queries or issues.
Comparison to Commercial Services Like Deedpolls.com
Commercial services like Deedpolls.com essentially offer a convenience. Technovinity.com Review
They streamline the drafting process, provide a professionally formatted document, and often include cover letters for notifying various organizations. They charge a fee for this convenience.
- Commercial Service Pros:
- Convenience: Documents are professionally prepared and often include supporting materials.
- Speed Alleged: Claim faster processing and delivery of documents.
- Support: Offer customer service channels for assistance.
- Commercial Service Cons:
- Cost: You pay a fee for a service you can essentially perform for free.
- Verification: While they claim “government accepted,” the ultimate legal validity comes from proper execution, not from the issuer.
- Data Sharing: You share personal data with a third-party company.
Recommendation: For those who prioritize cost savings, complete control, and direct engagement with official government guidelines, drafting your own deed poll via information on Gov.uk is the superior alternative. Commercial services like Deedpolls.com are suitable for individuals who value convenience and are willing to pay for it, provided they are comfortable with the third-party involvement and have verified the service’s transparency and reputation.
Deedpolls.com Pricing
Understanding the pricing structure of Deedpolls.com is crucial for anyone considering their services.
Unlike some online platforms that might have complex tiered systems or hidden fees, Deedpolls.com presents its costs quite transparently on its homepage, which is a commendable aspect for consumer trust.
Overview of Service Costs
Deedpolls.com offers three primary service packages, each with a fixed fee:
-
Adult Deed Poll Service: £16.99
- This package includes a hand-drafted adult deed poll document.
- It comes with free standard delivery within the UK.
- An adult cover letter is included, which is useful for notifying various organizations of your name change.
- The website claims it’s “Accepted Everywhere” including by UK Government, banks, Passport Office, and DVLA.
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Child Deed Poll Service: £19.99
- This service provides a hand-drafted deed poll for a child.
- Also includes free standard delivery.
- An adult cover letter is included.
- Similar to the adult service, it’s claimed to be “Accepted Everywhere.”
- It’s important to note that the website offers different child deed poll applications based on parental responsibility both parents, mother, or father, though the £19.99 price seems to apply broadly to the child service itself.
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Easy Name Change Kit: £29.00
- This appears to be a more comprehensive package, possibly including both adult and child deed polls or additional supporting documents beyond the basic service. The description on the homepage is identical to the other two for inclusions hand-drafted deed poll, free standard delivery, adult cover letter, accepted everywhere. This suggests it might be for a family or a scenario where multiple documents are needed, or perhaps it’s a slightly enhanced version with more guidance or copies. Without further detail on the website, its specific value proposition over the individual services isn’t immediately clear.
Additional Cost Considerations
The website also features a “Cost Calculator” tool, which allows users to input their specific needs and get a total cost estimate.
While the base prices are clear, additional costs might arise from: Planet4travels.net Review
- Expedited Delivery: Although standard delivery is free, users might opt for faster delivery methods for an extra fee, which is typical for online document services. The website states, “You will receive your documents by post, within three working days depending on the delivery method you choose,” implying varied delivery options.
- Multiple Copies: For notifying numerous organizations banks, utilities, doctors, employers, etc., users might require multiple certified copies of their deed poll. It’s common for deed poll services to charge per additional copy, though this isn’t explicitly detailed on the main page.
- Witnessing: While the service provides the deed poll, the user is responsible for getting it signed by an independent witness. There’s no direct cost from Deedpolls.com for this, but it’s an administrative step the user must manage.
Value for Money
Compared to the cost of directly processing a name change through government channels which can be virtually free if you draft your own document and handle all administration, Deedpolls.com charges a fee for convenience. The value proposition lies in:
- Time-Saving: They handle the drafting and formatting, saving the user research and preparation time.
- Professional Appearance: The documents are hand-drafted and presented professionally.
- Included Cover Letters: These can simplify the process of notifying various bodies.
However, users must weigh this convenience against the cost and the fact that a self-drafted deed poll, correctly executed, holds the same legal weight.
For those on a tight budget or comfortable with DIY legal tasks, the direct government route remains the most cost-effective solution.
How to Cancel Deedpolls.com Subscription
The website text for Deedpolls.com does not indicate that they offer a subscription service.
All their listed services—Adult Deed Poll, Child Deed Poll, and Easy Name Change Kit—are presented as one-off purchases with a fixed price.
Therefore, there is no ongoing subscription to cancel in the traditional sense.
Understanding the Purchase Model
When you apply for a deed poll service through Deedpolls.com, you are making a single purchase for a specific document.
You pay the stated fee £16.99, £19.99, or £29.00, and in return, they process and send you the requested deed poll document.
This is a transactional model, not a recurring subscription model.
What if You Need to Cancel an Order?
While there isn’t a “subscription” to cancel, a user might need to cancel an order they have placed. The website’s homepage does not provide explicit instructions on how to cancel an application once submitted or what their refund policy is. This is a significant omission for a service handling personal documents and financial transactions. Homelinkcincinnati.com Review
To inquire about canceling an order, a user would likely need to:
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Contact Customer Support Directly: The most logical first step would be to use the provided contact information:
- Phone: 020 8150 2010
- WhatsApp: 07496 701 341
When contacting them, have your application details e.g., application number, name used, date of application ready.
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Check for Terms and Conditions/Refund Policy: Although not prominently linked on the homepage, such policies might be presented during the application process itself e.g., before final payment or accessible via a less visible link. It’s advisable to review these carefully before making a purchase to understand cancellation rights and refund eligibility.
Implications of No Explicit Cancellation Policy on Homepage
The lack of a clear cancellation or refund policy on the main website can be a point of concern for consumers.
Reputable online services typically make these policies easily accessible to ensure consumer confidence and transparency.
Without this information, users might find it challenging to understand their recourse if they make an error in their application, change their mind, or encounter issues with the service.
It would be a significant improvement for Deedpolls.com to add direct links to these crucial policies in a visible location, such as the website’s footer.
Deedpolls.com vs. Official Government Process
When it comes to changing your name in the UK, the choice often boils down to two main avenues: using a commercial service like Deedpolls.com or undertaking the official government process yourself.
Understanding the distinctions between these two approaches is key to making an informed decision. Putcut.com Review
The Official Government Process via Gov.uk
The fundamental truth about changing your name in the UK is that it is a legal right and does not strictly require a paid service or registration with any government body.
As stated on Gov.uk, you can “change your name at any time, as long as you do not do it to defraud or mislead.” For formal purposes like updating passports, driving licenses, bank accounts, you typically need evidence of your name change, which is where a deed poll comes in.
- How it Works:
- Self-Drafting: You can draft your own deed poll document using templates and guidelines available on the Gov.uk website or from reputable legal information sites. This is essentially a declaration by you, witnessed and signed.
- Execution: The document must be signed and dated in the presence of an independent witness someone not related to you.
- Notification: You then send copies of this executed deed poll to all organizations and government departments that hold your personal information e.g., Passport Office, DVLA, banks, employers, utility companies.
- Free: The cost of drafting and executing your own deed poll is effectively zero, apart from printing and postage.
- Full Control: You manage every aspect of the process, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your needs.
- Highest Authority: Information is direct from the government, eliminating any ambiguity regarding validity.
- Time-Consuming: Requires research, drafting, printing, and administrative effort on your part.
- No Direct Support: You are responsible for understanding and adhering to all guidelines.
Deedpolls.com Commercial Service
Deedpolls.com operates as a private company that streamlines the deed poll creation process for a fee.
Their value proposition is convenience and professional document preparation.
* Online Application: You complete an online form with your details.
* Document Creation: They hand-draft the deed poll document based on your submission.
* Delivery: The document is sent to you by post.
* Execution & Notification: You still need to sign the document in front of an independent witness and then notify all relevant organizations yourself.
* Convenience: Removes the burden of drafting and formatting the document yourself.
* Professional Presentation: Documents are professionally prepared, which can be reassuring for some users.
* Included Cover Letters: They often provide template cover letters to help with notification.
* Customer Support: Offers phone and WhatsApp support for queries related to their service.
* Cost: You pay for a service that can be done for free.
* Third-Party Involvement: You are sharing personal data with a private entity.
* Still Requires User Action: You are still responsible for witnessing the document and notifying organizations. The service doesn't complete the entire name change process for you.
Key Differences and Decision Factors
Feature | Official Government Process Gov.uk | Deedpolls.com Commercial Service |
---|---|---|
Cost | Free DIY effort | Paid service £16.99 – £29.00 |
Document Drafting | User responsible for drafting templates available | Service drafts document for you |
Guidance Source | Direct from UK Government most authoritative | Private company’s interpretation and guidance |
Convenience | Low requires more personal effort | High streamlined application, professional documents |
Support | No direct personal support | Phone/WhatsApp support for service-related queries |
Data Privacy | Minimal sharing beyond government bodies for official updates | Sharing personal data with a third-party private company |
Legal Validity | Valid if correctly executed by user | Valid if correctly executed by user same legal weight |
Conclusion: For those who prioritize cost savings and have the time and comfort to handle administrative tasks, the official government process is the superior choice. It ensures direct adherence to official guidelines and eliminates unnecessary expenses. Deedpolls.com offers a service for those who value convenience and are willing to pay for the professional preparation of the document, but it’s important to understand that the core legal validity still rests on the user’s correct execution of the deed poll.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deed poll?
A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name.
It’s a declaration by an individual witnessed and signed, confirming their adoption of a new name and their intention to use it for all purposes.
Is Deedpolls.com a government website?
No, Deedpolls.com explicitly states on its homepage that it is an “independent company” and “not affiliated with H.M.
Government.” They provide a service to help you obtain a deed poll, but they are not an official government body.
Are deed polls from Deedpolls.com legally accepted?
Deedpolls.com claims their documents are “government accepted” and can be used for updating your passport, driving license, and bank accounts. Leclosdelaure.com Review
The legal validity of any deed poll, whether self-drafted or from a service, comes from its proper execution signed and witnessed, not from the issuing entity.
How much does it cost to change your name with Deedpolls.com?
An Adult Deed Poll Service costs £16.99, a Child Deed Poll Service costs £19.99, and an Easy Name Change Kit costs £29.00, as listed on their website.
Can I change my name for free in the UK?
Yes, you can change your name for free in the UK by drafting your own deed poll document and ensuring it is correctly executed signed and witnessed. You can find guidance and templates on the UK government’s official website, Gov.uk.
How long does it take to receive documents from Deedpolls.com?
Deedpolls.com states that you will receive your documents by post “within three working days depending on the delivery method you choose,” implying that standard delivery is included for free, but faster options may be available for an additional cost.
What is an independent witness for a deed poll?
An independent witness is someone who is not related to you, is over 18 years old, and can legally understand and attest to your signing of the deed poll.
They should not be a beneficiary or directly involved in the name change itself.
What do I do after I receive my deed poll from Deedpolls.com?
After receiving your deed poll, you need to sign and date it in the presence of your independent witness.
Once executed, your name has legally changed, and you must then notify all relevant organizations e.g., Passport Office, DVLA, banks, employers to update your records.
Does Deedpolls.com offer a child deed poll for single parents?
Yes, Deedpolls.com offers specific Child Deed Poll Application options for cases where parental responsibility lies with both parents, the mother, or the father, as indicated on their website.
What information is needed to apply for a deed poll online?
While not fully detailed on the homepage, based on the service type, you would typically need to provide your current full name, new full name, address, and potentially details of parental responsibility for child applications. Dgmseo.com Review
Is there a cancellation policy for Deedpolls.com services?
The website’s homepage does not prominently display a cancellation or refund policy.
Users would need to contact their customer support directly via phone or WhatsApp to inquire about canceling an order or understanding their refund eligibility.
What are the alternatives to using Deedpolls.com?
The primary alternative is to draft your own deed poll using resources and guidance from the official UK government website, Gov.uk, which is a free option.
Other commercial legal document services may also exist, but the direct government route is the most authoritative.
How can I verify the legitimacy of Deedpolls.com?
While Deedpolls.com provides contact information and testimonials, to fully verify legitimacy, you would typically look for an “About Us” page with company registration details, a clear privacy policy, and transparent terms of service, which are not readily found on their homepage.
Do I need a deed poll to start using a new name in the UK?
Technically, no specific law requires a formal process to change your name in the UK.
You can start using any name you wish, as long as it’s not for fraudulent purposes.
However, a deed poll provides documentary evidence necessary for updating official records like passports, driving licenses, and bank accounts.
Can I change my name by post with Deedpolls.com?
Yes, the website mentions “Adult Deed Poll by Post,” indicating an option to apply for a change of name through postal means, although their main emphasis is on online application.
Does Deedpolls.com provide certified copies of deed polls?
The homepage does not explicitly state whether additional certified copies are included or can be purchased, but it’s a common offering for deed poll services given the need to notify multiple organizations. Users would likely need to inquire about this. Betatransfer.net Review
What is the difference between an Adult Deed Poll and an Easy Name Change Kit from Deedpolls.com?
The website descriptions for the Adult Deed Poll Service and the Easy Name Change Kit are identical on the homepage, making the specific difference unclear.
The price difference £16.99 vs. £29.00 suggests the kit might include more copies, additional guidance, or an bundled service, but this is not specified.
How do I notify organizations of my new name after getting a deed poll?
After your deed poll is executed signed and witnessed, you must send copies of the document, often along with a cover letter, to all organizations that hold your personal information, such as the Passport Office, DVLA, your bank, utility providers, and employer. Deedpolls.com states they include a cover letter.
What is the significance of “hand drafted” documents from Deedpolls.com?
“Hand drafted” implies that the documents are individually prepared by a person rather than being purely an automated printout from a template.
This might suggest a level of attention to detail and customization, though the core legal content remains standard for deed polls.
Can non-British citizens living in the UK use Deedpolls.com?
The website specifically states, “If you want to change your or your child’s name you have come to the right place if you are a British citizen.” This implies their services are primarily for British citizens, and non-British citizens may need to explore different avenues based on their nationality and immigration status.
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